Down in the valley white snow melts into green grass and the sun paints leaves back onto the branches of the trees lining our favorite trails. While simultaneously, a mere 1500m uphill, winter still holds onto the rocks and glaciers of the rugged Coast Mountains. As the strong sun draws out the days, so are we drawn out from inside our winter shelters, ready for the next season of awesome – and the rad Whistler spring activities that come with it. (Absolutely nothing against you winter, you’re still my homeboy).
Whistler Spring Activities to Preload That Summer Bod
The change in weather brings a change of clothes, and it might be time for a little cardio tune up before beach season. While you’re at it, you might as well explore some of the coastal rainforests that come back to life as the snow melts. These are the perfect conditions for getting outside and working up a sweat on the trails without choking on dust and passing out from heatstroke.
Trail Running
First up on our Whistler spring activities list is trail running. It’s a fantastic way to explore the trail systems of the valley. Trails like the Lost Lake system and the Cheakamus Lake Trail are at low elevation and quick to melt, providing a great workout and even better views. For an extra challenge, head south to Squamish and try the mighty Stawamus Chief. The trail rises over 600m in 4km and features ladders and chains bolted right into the granite.
Mountain Biking
Whistler is a world-class mountain bike destination and spring is the perfect time to ride the lower Valley Trail system before the snow melts off the trails higher up. Summit Sports rents mountain bikes of every flavor to suit your shredding needs. Check out the WORCA (Whistler Off Road Cycling Association) website for trail maps, events, updated trail conditions. Insider tips from one of our favourite writers and local bikers, Joe Schwartz, on essential mountain biking gear in Whistler is a noteworthy read before jumping into another season of pedalling.
Yoga
Cardio not your thing? Whistler is home to countless amazing yoga studios, the perfect way to stretch out those ski injuries and get ready for beach season at Lost Lake. Fancy yoga with a vista? If the weather allows for it, try your hand at some of our favourite locations for an outdoor yoga experience.
Looking for Adventure or Something New?
Dare to be adventurous? Whether you’re looking for Whistler spring activities that get the adrenaline pumping, or you want to try something new (with Instagram bragging rights of course), we’ve got you covered.
SuperFly Ziplines
Combining ecotourism with a healthy shot of adrenaline, Whistler’s Superfly Zipline tour is the adventurist’s way to experience the magnificent old growth rainforests that make up the Whistler Valley. Visit http://www.superflyziplines.com/ to pick your adventure.
Whistler Eco Tours
WET’s motto since 2001 has been “Bringing people back to nature.” They offer a range of tours and activities including guided bike, canoe, kayak, and hiking through the Whistler Valley and the River of Golden Dreams. Visit their website to choose from a variety of interpretive tours.
Blackcomb Helicopters
Operating in the spectacular peaks and glaciers that surround Whistler, Blackcomb Helicopters has an assortment of tours to fit all ages and budgets. From sightseeing to heli-biking, no matter which option you choose, a flight with Blackcomb Heli is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Check out our video of Whistler heli-biking and boarding for inspiration.
Food, Drink and Long Days on the Patio
Longer days, sunglasses and t-shirts can only mean one thing – it’s OK to order fruity drinks, and spending hours drinking outside is once again socially acceptable. A guide to Whistler spring activities wouldn’t be complete without a tip of the glass to drinks in the sunshine, so check out some of the best patios around.
The Longhorn Saloon & Grill
Undoubtedly the most standout location in the heart of the Village, the Longhorn patio is where you want to be if the sun’s out. Try their signature Bulldogs (a Corona served in a jug of Margarita), tastes like summer.
Tapley’s Pub
For a mellower patio experience the locals know Tapley’s is the spot. Featuring live music, burgers, and daily beer specials – including our new Gibbons Après Lager!
Secret VIP Patio
With so many natural perches around the mountains, lakes, and rivers of Whistler it doesn’t take much effort to get your own 5 star patio view. Snag a growler or two on your way out of town, load up a backpack and hike your party up to VIP bottle service.
A Touch of Culture with Music and Art
Sometimes we need a break from the high-intensity, fast-paced life of adrenaline sports and epic patio sessions – and that’s okay. Kick back and appreciate the finer things in life with these Whistler spring activities.
GO Fest
Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival happens on the Victoria Day long weekend and features shows and events for everyone. Music, sport, art, food and more. Check out http://www.greatoutdoorsfest.com/ for the full scoop.
Whistler Farmers Market
Everything you could want from a Farmers Market and more – local produce, fresh baked goods, specialty foods, and a variety of local artisans. Featuring the live music talents of Whistler’s best musicians, this is more than a shopping experience. Find out more at https://www.whistlerfarmersmarket.org/
Audain Art Museum
The perfect rainy day activity, the Audain Museum showcases a carefully curated collection of pieces and artefacts focusing on Coastal British Columbia First Nation’s art throughout history. In addition to the permanent collection of First Nation’s art, the Audain Museum features several “special exhibitions” from historic and contemporary artists in a variety of mediums and styles. Visit audainartmuseum.com for more information.
Still Winter Somewhere
Not ready to give up on your favourite season just yet? Whistler Blackcomb stays open until May 22 for all your shredding needs – just be sure to wear the right spring skiing attire.
The longer daylight hours of spring also make it the ideal season for longer ski touring/splitboarding trips into the backcountry. Whistler based guiding companies like Extremely Canadian offer guided trips into the Spearhead and Fitzsimmons range for all abilities, and if you are extra keen ask them about the Spearhead traverse.
So there you have it, spring time in Whistler. Sharing the title of “Best Season of the Year” with 3 others. Don’t let a little rain or mud get in your way, the variety and freedom of adventure is what keeps us coming back for more. In Whistler, the months between winter and summer aren’t transition months, they’re transcendent months! So get out there, get dirty, and make it happen.
Visit the Gibbons website and social media for updates, or to share your Whistler spring activities with us. And with summer just around the corner check out our Return of Summer video for a little extra inspiration.